I am looking for any advice/help I can get. My doc wants me breaking open omeprazole for the first six weeks before swallowing; however, every time I try to swallow the beads it hits my gag reflex & I end up gagging & throwing up. My nurse said I could take chewable Pepcid instead until week 5 & then I could start swallowing the omeprazole. For the last two days I have had severe sharp pains in the middle of my chest which I'm guessing is an ulcer. I have had severe nausea & haven't eaten in two days. Any time I try to eat or swallow my vitamins/pills I gag. Anyone else had these problems?

Sorry for the lengthy email but I am so tired of being sick & I'm now getting quite depressed.

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you're feeling so lousy. I didn't experience the same thing, I've actually taken the pill form of your medication since the third day after my surgery.

If you cannot eat, and are in that kind if discomfort, I definitely think you need seen by your surgeon.

Following surgery I couldn't take pills for thirty days. I had a medication that didn't come in liquid form so my doc suggested mixing the contents of the capsule into a couple tablespoons of sugar free applesauce. It didn't taste great but it helped me get it down.

I was going to suggest the applesauce too, but please check with your Dr. I had a hiatal hernia, but it was repaired at time of my surgery and now no more reflux and no pills.

Sugar free chocolate pudding is another alternative.

My Doc gives his patients a prescription 40Mg Nexium and it is in a powder form we mix it with 15cc of Water. I have been taking ever sense surgery with no problem.